Women in the Bride of Christ

For too long, women have been oppressed. For too long have they been told to cover and conceal their talents, their individuality, their gifts, their voices. For too long, everyone tries to point the finger, "look how poorly they treat there women in that (insert name of country, religion, culture, etc)." No one wants to look at themselves and see how they might be part of the problem.

Since this blog focuses on Christianity and subjects of the Bible, let's look at ourselves.

How many Christian denominations refuse to allow women certain positions or speaking platforms because, "Paul said women should be silent in churches!" They quote 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. How many of them have put these verses in context and then read on to see Paul's response to that kind of thinking? First, we will address the context. The church in the city of Corinth was having some problems, some disputes, and some questions. So they wrote Paul to ask. This was one of the issues they needed addressed. So he stated the issue. Plain and simple. Then in verse 36 he gave his response, which mocked that kind of thinking. "What? Came the word of God out from you? Or came it unto you only?" So to the churches that keep women from speaking, the words of Peter would apply when he warned that Paul was difficult to understand and his words would be twisted and bring destruction.

Everyone loves to point out that several times the Bibles states that women should be in submission to their husbands. Men who like to repress women use it to verbally beat them. Feminists and anti-Christians love to use these passages to verbally beat Christians. None of them read on or put it in context. There are also plenty of places that tell men to live for their wives, even give their lives if needed, the same way Jesus lived and died for the Church. Peter said it quite clearly in very strong words, that if men do not treat their wives properly, their very prayers will be hindered (1 Peter 3:7).

More important than Paul or Peter, let us take a look at how Jesus treated women. Everyone knows the story of the mercy He showed the adulteress, when everyone else wanted to stone her. Very few people look to Mary and Martha in this regard. Read the story again. Martha got angry. She asked Jesus to tell Mary to come help serve the men. Jesus rebuked her. Mary had just as much right to sit there with him as all those men Martha wanted her to serve.

Women, sisters and daughters, be free. Honor your husbands. Be a women of virtue like in Proverbs. Set an example. But do not be repressed. Remember, Deborah was a Judge, Miriam was a Prophetess. And in heaven, there is no difference in the value of a man or a woman.

You are a vital part of the Bride of Christ. Your voice, talent, desires, feelings, etc were all given to you for a reason. Take them where God wants you to go.

#hope #jesus #god #women #BrideofChrist #submit #feminism #Christianity